San Simeon, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com
Ragged Point showing landscape views, a bay or harbor and rugged coastline
San Simeon Pier as well as children
San Simeon which includes marine life
Photo provided by WineCoastCountry.com

As the half-way stop between LA and San Francisco, this Big Sur beach destination is the perfect place to take a break and recharge.

San Simeon, along California’s rugged Big Sur coastal stretch, is a beach destination with a difference. While you can certainly swim or surf in its sheltered cove or fish from its pier, most people drop by to see its preserved “castle” and meet its fascinating elephant seals.

San Simeon, in San Luis Obispo County, sits between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Both cities are about 230 miles (370 kilometers) away along Highway One.

Once part of a hugeranchorun by Mexican owners, the land was bought by the rich miner George Hearst in 1865. He soon expanded his ranch and built a wharf with a warehouse on the coast.

Visit the family’s impressive estate, Hearst Castle, on former “Camp Hill.” When his home was finished, Hearst renamed it “the Enchanted Hill” and with its mansions and views it isn’t hard to see why. Take a tour of the century-old complex and admire the Roman and Neptune pools in the gardens. Don’t miss the impressive Gothic Study in the Casa Grande, the main mansion.

Afterwards, throw a line in from the 850-foot (260-meter) San Simeon Pier or take a dip in the Pacific Ocean. The waters of Simeon Cove lend themselves to kayaking and surfing. Body boards can be rented locally, too. The day-use area of the William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach has picnic tables and barbecues, so bring your own supplies for a seaside lunch. Afterwards, stretch your legs by roaming the beach or by following the nearby trail up to the pine trees for lofty ocean views.

Just to the north of the park is the also free-to-access Piedras Blancas Rookery where there are northern elephant seals. Watch these odd-looking creatures doze, scratch, play and swim. While in the area, also tour the 19th-century Piedras Blancas Light Station.

Hotels line the highway on either side in San Simeon. In Cambria, just to the south, you can find many more accommodations as well as restaurants, shops and family attractions. This area may not have five-star hotels and services, but it’s a charming, laid-back region to visit, with some of the best beaches of the Big Sur.

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
$195 nightly
The price is $219 total per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
$219 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,608 reviews)
"The Restaurant: Cavalier Coastal Kitchen the food is delicious !"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Ragged Point Inn and Resort
3 out of 5
19019 Highway 1, Ragged Point, San Simeon, CA
$199 nightly
The price is $224 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$224 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in San Simeon. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Ragged Point! The property is beautiful and very self contained with a full restaurant and coffee shop on site. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We had Sunday brunch and it was wonderful and their coffee bar was amazing! Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Ragged Point Inn and Resort
Silver Surf Motel
Silver Surf Motel
2 out of 5
9390 Castillo Dr, San Simeon, CA
$64 nightly
The price is $73 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$73 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,085 reviews)
"The room was recently renovated, very clean, and comfortable. The staff was friendly and welcoming. It was very cost effective. The only downside is that the walls are quite thin, you can hear everything from the neighboring rooms. I recommend bringing ear plugs for a better night's sleep."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Silver Surf Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage
One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage
San Simeon
Stay at this cottage in San Simeon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hearst Castle and Moonstone Beach are located ...
Shangrila
"My daughter and I and our family stayed at this beautiful beach cottage for five days over New Year’s, and it was simply magnificent. The cottage is so quaint and precious, simple, clean and charming right out of a Dickens novel.We brought our doggies there’s a beautiful lawn in front of the cottage ..."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2025

One of a kind property- An Acre on the Ocean & Classic Beach Cottage
The Lofts at The Market
The Lofts at The Market
4 out of 5
1803 Spring St, Paso Robles, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paso Robles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sensorio and Paso Robles Pioneer Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"We had a great stay at this property. One of the only downfalls were early morning sound of Deilvery trucks for the food venues. We also checked in later in the day and wished there was local wine in the minibar! But beautifully decorated rooms and very comfortable bed! We’ll definitely come ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

The Lofts at The Market
Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.
Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.
Cambria
Stay at this cottage in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach and Moonstone Beach Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
Loved it there!
"We loved this property. Its location is perfect - close to the beach, Hearst Castle, cute stores, bars & restaurants. We traveled to Sensorio from there - it was an eaay 35ish minute drive. The home is cozy and has everything you need really. Bring Kuerig coffee pods, or grounds for their small coffee ..."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Lovely Cottage just above Moonstone Beach in the Pines and Oak Trees.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near San Simeon

Other places like San Simeon